EFCC Summons Akpabio Over Alleged Corruption

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the immediate past minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for alleged corruption.

Though the details of the corruption allegations were not made public, LEADERSHIP recalls that Akpabio has been under the investigation of the anti-graft agency for some time.

In 2020, the EFCC said it was investigating corruption allegations against Godswill Akpabio as a minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

This was contained in a response letter dated August 14 to Foundation for True Freedom and Good Governance, a civil society group.

The EFCC, in a response letter by Adebayo Adeniyi, head of the economic governance section at the EFCC, said “We write to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated August 3, 2020 in respect of the above subject and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.”

However, in a letter written to the anti-graft agency by the chamber of Mr Umeh Kalu (SAN) dated March 27, 2023, the counsel to Akpabio appealed to the EFCC to shift the date of his expected appearance before the commission to a later date after the forthcoming Easter and Ramadan holidays.

The council recalled in a letter of February 10, 2023 where they alerted the EFCC that the former minister was undergoing treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia.

They noted that Akpabio has also been advised to seek further medical help abroad.

The letter, signed For Seasons Law Firm by Umeh Kalu (SAN), with the entitled “Re: Investigation Activities – Senator Godswill Akpabio’s Appointment’ reads, “We continue to net as solicitors to Senator Godswill Akpabio and write you at his instance.

“We write to convey our client’s inability to honour the scheduled visit to your office on the 29th day of March 2022. due to ill health, and, already arranged medical appointments overseas.

“As mentioned in our last letter to you dated February 10, 2023, our client is undergoing treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia, and, has recently been advised to seek further attention abroad.

“It is in the light of the above, that we respectfully request that our client% appointment with you be rescheduled to a date convenient to your officers. preferably after the forthcoming Easter and Ramadan

“This request is in no way intended to disrespect your high office, even as we regret every conceivable inconvenience that our request will occasion on you and your team of operatives.

“Please accept the assurances of our professional regards, while thanking you for your understanding,” he said.